Mediating effect of coping styles between self-efficacy and diabetes distress among Chinese patients with diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Diabetes distress (DD) constitutes a negative emotional experience for patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), having a detrimental impact on their physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to understand the current status and influencing factors of DD in patients with DR and to explore the relationship between self-efficacy, coping styles and DD. A cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China. Patients diagnosed with DR. The Diabetes Distress Scale was used to assess DD. DD was present in more than half (53.07%) of patients with DR. There were significant differences in DD among patients with DR who reported different employment statuses, modes of residence and body mass index. Coping styles partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and DD, with the mediating effect accounting for 71% of the total effect. Considering the high prevalence of DD among patients with DR, healthcare professionals should pay more attention to the psychological needs of patients with DR. Effective interventions could be used to promote self-efficacy and coping styles of patients with DR, leading to lower levels of DD.